How to Pronounce Korean Numbers from 1 to 321138

Learning the Korean language can be an enriching and rewarding experience, especially when it comes to its unique and nuanced system of pronunciation. Mastering the proper pronunciation of Korean numbers is an essential step for effective communication and understanding.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to pronouncing Korean numbers from 1 to 321, with detailed phonetic transcriptions and practical examples. By following these instructions, you can enhance your fluency and avoid common pronunciation pitfalls.

Pronunciation Basics

Before delving into specific number pronunciations, it's important to understand a few fundamental principles of Korean phonology.
Syllables: Korean words are composed of syllables, each consisting of an onset (initial consonant) and a nucleus (vowel or diphthong).

Consonants: Korean consonants have two main forms: plain and aspirated. Plain consonants are pronounced without a puff of air, while aspirated consonants have a noticeable burst of air.

Vowels: Korean vowels are relatively straightforward, with three basic vowels (ㅏ, ㅓ, ㅗ) and four diphthongs (얘, 예, 와, 워).

Number Pronunciation

Now, let's explore the pronunciation of Korean numbers from 1 to 321:
1 - 하나 (ha-na)
2 - 둘 (dul)
3 - 셋 (set)
4 - 넷 (net)
5 - 다섯 (da-set)
6 - 여섯 (yeo-set)
7 - 일곱 (il-gop)
8 - 여덟 (yeo-deolp)
9 - 아홉 (a-hop)
10 - 열 (yeol)
11 - 열하나 (yeol-ha-na)
12 - 열둘 (yeol-dul)
20 - 스무 (seu-mu)
30 - 서른 (seo-reun)
40 - 마흔 (ma-heun)
50 - 오십 (o-sip)
60 - 육십 (yuk-sip)
70 - 칠십 (chil-sip)
80 - 팔십 (pal-sip)
90 - 구십 (gu-sip)
100 - 백 (baek)
200 - 이백 (i-baek)
300 - 삼백 (sam-baek)
321 - 삼백 이십일 (sam-baek i-sip-il)

Tips for Pronunciation
Pay attention to vowel length. Long vowels are pronounced longer than short vowels.

Aspirate consonants properly. Aspirated consonants (ㄱ, ㄷ, ㅂ, ㅅ, ㅈ) have a noticeable puff of air.

Connect the sounds smoothly. Korean words are typically pronounced with a slight pause between syllables.

Practice regularly. The key to improving pronunciation is consistent practice.

By following these guidelines, you can develop accurate and confident pronunciation of Korean numbers. This will greatly enhance your communication skills and enable you to effectively engage with native speakers.

2025-02-10

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